tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24338064.post3413387086161430725..comments2024-02-11T19:28:27.997+11:00Comments on Personal Reflections: Personal confusions over Australia DayJim Belshawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10075614280789984767noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24338064.post-45050399234292275892017-01-29T22:46:22.857+11:002017-01-29T22:46:22.857+11:00I made the mistake of posting something on Faceboo...I made the mistake of posting something on Facebook and provoked a massive debate! I don't mind what date it is, as long as we have some kind of day to celebrate Australia. Therefore I said I was happy for it to be changed if that would make Aboriginal people feel better...oops...! The thread was *mostly* respectful, but it did get a little heated at times. <br /><br />LEAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24338064.post-61689631793582077372017-01-29T21:26:09.082+11:002017-01-29T21:26:09.082+11:00For me the day is not important, but the celebrati...For me the day is not important, but the celebration of Australia as a nation is. Doesn't mean forgetting, or pretending all problems have gone away for a day, but it should attempt to be as inclusive as possible. Right wing nutters trying to exclude Moslems and weird NSW Greens wanting a 'steal and burn a rag' day are part of the problem. In my view, the majority celebrating its nationhood is part of the solution.2 tannersnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24338064.post-29342993278149548892017-01-28T20:09:38.040+11:002017-01-28T20:09:38.040+11:00The date (1 March) was wrong. I should know bett...The date (1 March) was wrong. I should know better than to rely on hearsay. But still I wonder what a better date might be? That is not a hypothetical question, I have thought about it. I have come up with no answers. <br />GL<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24338064.post-50553670625608682212017-01-28T18:30:46.595+11:002017-01-28T18:30:46.595+11:00Hi GL. I really don't have a view on an altern...Hi GL. I really don't have a view on an alternative date. Whatever date is selected, it's got to be "neutral", not carrying too much baggage. Aboriginal protests may switch to the new date, but it is likely to take some of the focus out of it.<br /> <br /><br />Jim Belshawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10075614280789984767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24338064.post-14137544255559667662017-01-28T15:51:57.257+11:002017-01-28T15:51:57.257+11:00I don't much go in for the all the fuss, but t...I don't much go in for the all the fuss, but think it is important to observe a national day. As to the date? Was sitting on the train yesterday and heard a titchy, pouty young thing on her phone saying stridently "NO! I do not celebrate Australia Day". Prepared to bet it didn't stop her taking her day off though. <br /><br />Have also recently read some comments saying that the national day should be moved from 26 January to 1 March, being the anniversary of the date that the first Australian parliament took control, post colony status. I am not at all sure that this date would be any more acceptable to the indigenous Australians who call Australia Day "Invasion" or "Survival" Day.<br /><br />Thoughts/alternatives?<br /><br />GLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com